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July 2017
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett12 Bethesda Church RoadLawrenceville, Georgia 30044www.uucg.org 770-717-7913
Sundays at UUCG10:00 am Faith Development
11:00 am Worship Service
July Theme: All is Welcome Here
July 2: Lumos Maxim: Spirituality for the FandomRev. Charlotte Arsenault, Service LeaderSherree Bailey, Worship AssociateSandi O’Toole, PianistChoir Practice before service
July 9 : All is Welcome Here--To What? Bob Patrick, Service LeaderLydia Patrick, Worship AssociateBryan Bishop, PianistNo Choir Practice before service
July 16: Live Our Dreams and Let ‘Em GoRev. Duncan Teague, Service LeaderAiyana Haynes, Worship AssociateDevon McQuain, Worship AssociateBryan Bishop, PianistPotluck LunchUU 101 and UU 102Choir Practice before service
July 23: Standing at the Gateless Gate, Too Drunk on Love to HesitateDaniel Bailey, Service LeaderSherree Bailey, Worship AssociateBryan off. Guest pianistMichael off. No choir practice.
July 30Rev. Charlotte Arsenault, Service LeaderMiriam Patrick, Worship AssociateBryan Bishop, PianistChoir Practice before service
July plate contributions are shared equally with Lost-n-Found Youth
www.lnfy.org
the gnuus
the gnuusAnnouncements for the August newsletter are due by July 25. Announcements for the weekly e-newsletter and Order of Service are due on Tuesdays at noon. Send announcements to “[email protected]”. Contact [email protected] to subscribe to newsletters.
Gwinnett News for Unitarian Universalists
What I Know - What I Don’t Know?As we transition from one President to another on the UUCG Board of Trustees – Theresa and Barbara were inspired by the words of the Rev. Carlton Smith as he headed to General Assembly (GA):“Central to what I hope for this GA is that everyone is arriving *loved up* -- by themselves, by friends and family, or hopefully all of the above. I think being loved up is our greatest asset toward a productive, enriching, transformative time together. I don’t know about you, but for me, it’s hard to hold a grudge when I know I’m loved. It’s hard for me to be easily slighted when I know my own worth. I can laugh things off and keep the action movin’ when I’m well-fed and well-rested. I can laugh at myself when I know I’ve said or done something ridiculous, aware that having done so in no way invalidates my existence. I can be at peace when people I care about miss the mark if I can remember my own occasional sour notes and tone-deafnesses.”
From TheresaWhat I know: That I am arriving at the beginning of my year as president *loved up* by those who’ve encouraged me to stand for the office and by those who’ve given me encouragement and words of wisdom since. I also know that it won’t always be easy, that the board will face the usual and maybe even – who knows? -extraordinary challenges and sticky issues. But I know
that I will be serving alongside other board members who are some of the finest, most dedicated people UUCG has to offer. Knowing that made my decision to stand as president so much easier.
What I don’t know? That would fill oceans. After three years on the Board of Trustees, I feel I have a good sense of the big picture - where we’ve come from, where we are striving to go. What I don’t know are your individual hopes and fears regarding the challenges and opportunities facing us. I look forward to hearing about those from all of you. I look forward to serving this beloved community in a new and more complex capacity.
From Barbara What I know: that my experience as President was a good one because I felt *loved up* consistently. To keep moving forward, I had to keep remembering that feeling because I have my self-doubts that sometimes overwhelm me. I know many of my weaknesses, and I am sure I miss others. I have been lovingly reminded of those weaknesses and forgiven for my mistakes. I have attempted to make sure that UUCG is feeling *loved up*
right back. I also know that we will continue to experience challenges; we will continue to face those challenges. Some of it will result (and needs to result) in new ways of being together.
What I don’t know: what challenges does our future hold? What will UUCG look like in five years? I am grateful that we have a president who has chosen to serve and govern with joy. Let’s make sure she remains feeling *loved up* too.
Spiritual Growth 2
The Seekers at UUCG February 19 at 12:30pmThe Seekers, formerly the UUCG Bible Study, is a group of Unitarian Universalists and others who are interested in exploring the great religious books and texts of the world. We have no prescribed theology and honor each person’s spiritual path toward enlightenment, comfort and reason. There are no “experts” in the group to interpret religious texts for us. Each person shares his or her own interpretation of a particular text without fear of condemnation or ridicule. And the best part of the group is that none of these “rules” were set down - they evolved organically. We invite you to join us if you have an interest in theological writings and would like to share your views in an open, accepting environment. We meet the third Sunday
Faith Development at 10:00amDuring the summer months of June and July, the Faith Development Team will present a Ware Lecture Series during the 10 o’clock hour. Drop in for coffee and enjoy a presentation of select talks given at past sessions of UUA General Assembly. 7/2 - Sister Simone Campbell (2014)7/9 - Eboo Patel (2013)7/16 - Karen Armstrong (2011) 7/23 - Melissa Harris-Lacewell (2009)7/30 - Van Jones (2008)
On even month fourth Sundays, beginning in August, UUCG will host a book discussion. The August book discussion be be Daring Greatly by Brené Brown.
Lughnasad Celebration:The First HarvestSaturday, August 5, at 6:00pm
Come and celebrate this half of the year that first began with Brigid at Imbolc, fulfilled now with Lugh at his festival of the first harvest. We gather to celebrate what we are enjoying of life’s harvest. This ritual is open to the public and led by members of the Sylvan Sanctuary Grove of Druids. Ritual begins at 6:00 with shared snacks and fellowship afterwards. Ritual attire is welcome but not required.
Sanctuary and Solidarity: Bring your congregation on a transformative journey to the U.S.-Mexico border
Fall 2017/Spring 2018A former UUCSJ (Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice) delegation on the desert walk. Amid rising xenophobia and threats against human rights, UUCSJ’s Sanctuary and Solidarity journey offers a chance to deepen your capacity to practice effective solidarity. By visiting a border wall, listening to migrants tell their stories, walking the dangerous desert paths of their journey, and meeting with grassroots partners, you will confront the depth and urgency
of immigration justice issues, as well as learn about their intersection with current movements for racial, economic, and environmental justice. You’ll return home inspired and prepared to join growing campaigns to renew, expand, and strengthen sanctuary for all.
Contact UUCSJ now to organize a journey with your congregation!
Faith in Action3
Immigration Immersion ExperienceAn Invitation from JoAnn Weiss for Saturday, July 29Please join me and Janet Causey for a day at El Refugio in Lumpkin, GA. El Refugio is a hospitality and visitation house outside of Stewart Detention Center, one of the largest immigrant detention centers in the country. After a 3.5 hour car journey to Lumpkin, you will receive an orientation on Immigration 101, and then the opportunity to meet with a man in detention via the phone, with plexiglass between you and him. Your visit will provide a boost to morale; an important source of hope; friendship and a smiling face; and a chance for you to learn about the administrative and legal challenges that immigrants face in the US today. You will then have a chance to debrief with others, and talk about further steps.
It is, in fact, an all day trip, and requires mucho patience, depending on the whims of Stewart and ICE, and the number of other families doing visits. Children under 18 are welcome, and will be paired with an adult for visitation. Spanish is not required. Currently there are many asylum seekers at Stewart, from countries all over the world. Other languages spoken at Stewart include: Haitian Creole, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Somali, Nepalese, Mandarin.
This invitation is in conjunction with High Street UU in Macon, and is therefore limited to about 4-6 UUCGers. Because of new visitation policies of ICE, I will need your name and birthdate by Thursday, July 13. If at a later time you decide to drop out, that is ok. I just can’t add anyone after that date. So even if you think you want to go but are not quite sure, put your name in.
For so many reasons, our system of immigration in this country is broken, and literally each day it is worsening as ICE raids continue, families separated, and asylum seekers turned away. Join me and Janet in an educational and eye-opening experience! Thanks!
Contact: [email protected] 770.789.0785
Backpacks for CorleyThe first day of school is right around the corner and the students at Corley Elementary School need backpacks! UUCG’s backpack drive for the school has begun. New and gently used backpacks, please.
And if you spot any bargains out there, let us know!
Look for the Corley Backpack Bin near the Laboratory.
We need backpacks in by July 30, 2017.
Questions or suggestions: Email Toby Lyles at [email protected] or call 404-449-6241
Covenant Groups4
Our Table is Set to Welcome You!Invitation to Join a Covenant Group
Who Is Invited:Members, friends, and other folks interested in UUCG. Everyone agrees to follow two Covenants that give us guidance on how to build trust inside of the Group.
What: Ten people, two hours, eight meetings, twice a month, creating a sacred space, listening and talking together. Considering readings and questions on the monthly Service themes. Everyone gets five minutes, uninterrupted, to speak from their own experience. Trained, experienced facilitators are a part of every group meeting.
Who to Contact: Carol Richardson or Bill Benshoof
Where: At UUCG, in the Playroom.
When: Groups currently meet during the week, both during the day and in the evening, and a Saturday morning meeting has been proposed.
Child Care: Child care is available by advance reservation, if funds and volunteers are available. We want all interested parents to be able to participate, so please ask if this is a need so we can help. When we host children in the Nursery, one professional staff person and one qualified volunteer are always required.
How to Sign Up: Visit www.uucg.org and select the big “Register for Event” button at the bottom, select the “Covenant Group” option. Select the meeting with the time and dates that work for you.
Why: We create a sacred space to focus our attention away from the cares of the present, leave the past behind, and let the future wait a couple of hours. We express a form of “radical hospitaltity” by giving each other our full attention without interruption, judgement, or advice.
When we listen, we focus completely on the personal journeys of our “fellow travelers.”
When we speak, we are empowered to be vulnerable, to open our hearts, and to share our personal story. In accordance with the Congregation and Group Covenants, our “fellow travelers” listen with anticipation and appreciation. Our personal stories are held in confidence by the Group.
Talking and listening together about our interests and passions helps both “new” and “old” members connect with and understand all that our Beloved Community has to offer them.
The experience of speaking the truth about our personal experiences can empower us to listen to the stories of others.
Involvement with our Beloved Community is inextricably linked with the ability to listen for the interests and passions of others. Practicing listening skills is good preparation to join in the Ministries of the Congregation.
The Invitation: The “Welcome Table” is set. Come, join us in preparing a “sacred space.” Swap stories with “fellow travelers.” Your story belongs to you, we hold it in confidence, and we eagerly await your arrival!
Boy Scouts5
Troop 99 Goes to Summer Camp!June 18-24 was summer camp week for UUCG’s troop. Don Graff and the two other scoutmasters shepherded five boys to their first week at camp, where they fished and worked on fishing, cooking, riflery and archery merit badges. A great big shout-out to everyone who bought Camp Cards from the boys in February – you helped make this happen!
The group left on Sunday from the nearby WalMart parking lot, so as not to interfere with Sunday service parking.
Look what Landon Meyer caught!
Enjoying the lake, in between rainshowers. There’s a reason
it’s called Camp Rainey Mountain…
Proud of his riflery! The T-shirt was designed by one of the boys. Note the UUCG on the front.
Learning to use a fire starter.
T-shirt back. Learning about native plants.
Gadding About6
Ingathering, Welcome Back Potluck, and Cook-offSunday, August 6 after service
Calling all bakers and makers of desserts! You are invited to enter a dessert in the “Best of Sweets at UUCG” contest on Aug. 6. There will be a potluck that Sunday as part of the in-gathering and welcome back celebration for Rev. Jan, so many main course dishes will be needed on that day, too. However, we are asking everyone who wants to also make a delicious dessert that Sunday to please enter it in our “Best of Sweets at UUCG” contest. People will be asked to pay $5 per person or $10 per family to sample and vote on their favorite dessert. This money
will be used to help cover the $3,000 budget shortfall we still have for 2017. Contact Peggy Averyt or Sharon Skellie for any questions regarding this event.
Rev. Taddeo Returns from Sabbatical on July 31, 2017 Our minister, the Reverend Jan Taddeo, has been on leave from our church since December 26, 2016 and returns on July 31. Ministerial sabbaticals are renewal periods for clergy. It is a time for intentional exploration and reflection to renew enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment for ministry. Our last Sundays with guest sabbatical ministers will be on July 16 with Reverend Duncan Teague and on July 30 with Reverend Charlotte Arsenault and all are encouraged to come and thank them for their service.
Save the Date: Post-Sabbatical Events on August 25-26Look for news soon on a post-sabbatical workshop facilitated by a regional leader with our Unitarian Universalist Association. Workshop likely to begin Friday, August 25 with all congregants followed by additional conversations with Board and others on Saturday, August 26.
7Nurture Connections
Visitor OrientationUU 101 Aug. 20 after serviceCURIOUS – If you are new to Unitarian Universalism or just new to UUCG, this class should answer some of your questions.COURAGEOUS – Join us in the library on third Sundays immediately following the service.COMPASSIONATE – We hope the information and discussions will help you on your spiritual journey.Childcare and lunch provided. Sign up on the bulletin board by the nametags, visit www.uucg.org and select “register”, call the UUCG office at 770-717-7913, or just drop in. For more information, contact Peggy at [email protected] Member ClassUU 102 Aug. 20 after serviceIf you have taken UU 101 and feel ready to move on to the next step, please join us. UU 102 meets in the Lounge. Childcare will be available and lunch provided. Sign up is available by selecting “register” on the www.uucg.org website, through the office at 770-717-7913, or through email to [email protected]. After completing UU 102, you are eligible to become an official member of UUCG at an upcoming signing ceremony.
Signing CeremonyIf you are considering becoming a member of UUCG, please contact [email protected], to participate in the next ceremony. Ceremonies take place quarterly in the Pastor’s Parlor, with the next ceremony on August 20.
Changes in Schedule for Path to Membership ClassesJuly starts our new church year, and exciting changes for the path to membership classes will begin then, also. The UU 101 and 102 Classes will now only be held every other month on the 3rd Sunday in August, October, December, February, April, and June (the even numbered months). This will make room for another new class that will be led by Denise Benshoof on the 3rd Sunday of every odd-numbered month (September, November, January, March, May). This new class will explore where we have come from. It will delve into the two religious traditions - Unitarians and Universalists - that came together to form Unitarian Universalism. While new members are especially encouraged to attend the history of Unitarian Universalism class, all who are interested in knowing more about our history are encouraged to attend. All of these classes will start as soon as the worship service is over on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
UU 103: Where Have We Been?Begins September 17 UU 103: Where Have We Been?”, a class on Unitarian Universalist history topics, will begin on September 17. The class will be offered every other month on the third Sunday following the service. These classes will continue throughout the 2017-2018 program year, with different topics discussed during each session. While the class is part of our developing UU New Member education series, everyone is invited! Please see Denise Benshoof for details.
General AssemblyWorship, Business Meetings, and Workshops Available
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the 2017 meeting was held last week in New Orleans. If you were unable to travel to the New Orleans event, you can still view the workshops, worship services and business meetings and watch from
home. Visit www.uua.org/ga to download materials, or watch videos on-demand. Also look for articles on the UU World blog.
Building OpenSunday: 9:30am-12:30pmTuesday: 10:00am-3:30pmFriday: 10:00am-2:00pmBy Appointment: 770-717-7913
StaffRev. Jan Taddeo, Parish [email protected] Minister is on sabbatical through July 31. Contact Staff or Board at the numbers below or our Pastoral Care Associates at 770-847-0566.
Laura de Castro, [email protected]: 770-717-7913Our Administrator is in the building on most Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Appointments suggested.
Christiana McQuain, Program [email protected]
Michael Parker, Choir [email protected]
Board of TrusteesTheresa Waldrop, [email protected]
Bill Benshoof, Vice [email protected]
Barbara Stahnke, [email protected]
Steve Smith, [email protected]
Board Members at LargeNathalie BigordAlly PerrasEvan VarnerVacantYouth Vacant
Unitarian Universalist Congregation o f Gwinnett12 Bethesda Church RoadLawrenceville, GA 30044www.uucg.org770.717.7913
UUCG
Curiosity. Courage. Compassion.We are a radically welcoming sanctuary in a green space.
We foster spiritual growth as we joyfully nurture connections and community within our walls and beyond.
UUCG supports Youth Center serving homeless LGBTQ youth
Our July-thru-Sept Give Away The Plate recipient is Atlanta-based Lost-n-Found Youth. This organization was founded in 2011 by three men, each of whom had experienced being turned away when attempting to place lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youngsters in emergency shelters and aid programs. The organization maintains a 24/7 help line, an emergency shelter, and a drop-in Youth Center for young people between the ages of 13 and 25. It provides a variety of services: a safe place, food, shelter, medical & dental referrals,
clothing, computers, counseling, mental health evaluations, and referrals to educational and employment sources.
Buying Groceries & Gas & supporting UUCG34 households participated last quarter in the Kroger Community Rewards, earning UUCG $68 for the quarter. If you shop at Kroger for gas or groceries, please consider registering UUCG as your non-profit organization of choice. You get to keep all of your Kroger points and regular discounts while selecting one charity for Kroger to support. And if you participated in prior years,
please note that Kroger requires customers to re-enroll their card each year as participants, with enrollment year beginning in August. Please visit www.Kroger.com/communityrewards, login, and select UUCG, organization id #19343. If you have any questions, feel free to contact one of the team members for Kroger Community Rewards at 770.496.7538.
